I have a ten shot series all in the same light. The subject is highlighted with the back ground dark like this one. I post this here to be critiqued. Please feel free to give me suggestions to improve these shots. Randy

Another the first was screen in PS 50%.

Too dark? Certainly not! The stark separation from the background is one of the wonderful things about these images. Having more confusing background detail would just cause the feathers to get lost. However, you have also managed to sketch the environment; much better than just a mug shot. Personally, I'd crop about two inches off the left of the first one. This composition change would strengthen the unity of the image. I can't imagine changing the second one at all. Perfect! Please tell us where you find these wonderful subjects, what equipment you use, and your tricks of sneaking up on them.

Mish883, Thanks for the input I see exactly what you are talking about in the first photo and that will be an easy fix. I'm posting a couple more. Again any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Last one. @ Mish883 I would be happy to start a tread share what I have learned about photographing birds. I'm no expert but I have learned a few things by trial and error that might be useful to those that are interested. Randy

hi, here's my suggestions :) for the first one, what misha said :) the second one looks ok but the left top and bottom corner distract me...could be i'm easily distracted...lol the third, my fave, looks great but the distraction is the bit of green to the right mid way down. last one's ok... hope this helps. you have exceptional bird images :)

Pictures appear to me, I shoot them.   Elliot Erwitt

What was the objective with the background when you took the shot? And do you think they are too dark? I only ask because they seem perfectly fine to me, yet maybe you wanted detail in the shadows?, the bird, as Misha has said is nicely seperated from the background..... and the bird still seems perfectly exposed on my monitor.

I am, therefore I create.......
--- michelleamarante.com

@firestorm it does help, for instance in the second one my display is pretty dark and I could not even see what you were talking about until I really sat and studied it. thanks.

Michelle, After reading some of the post in the forum I was afraid that others would see it too dark partly because in the difference in monitor settings. I like the dark background because of the separation. I wanted to make sure that I did not take it to far and detract form the image. Thanks Randy

I often wonder the same thing about mine when I post in the gallery.... as my monitor sigh is one of the darker ones.... I think most people are seeing far lighter version of my images than I am. I don't stress over it too much (yes it can be maddening at times). But as long as I'm able to get my prints to match with what I see on the monitor that is the most important thing.

I am, therefore I create.......
--- michelleamarante.com

@ Randy's Personally I think you have captured four excellent images of the Blue Heron, the foilage only adds to it IMHO. @ Misha In Florida it is very common to see these guys wherever there is water! (and there is a lot of water here!!!) When we go surf fishing we have to sit something on top of the bait buckets and the coolers because the blue herons and the great white egrets will steal your bait and your catch right out of the bucket or cooler! (yes they are kind of brazen!) Not to mention the Pelicans and the seagulls that sit and wait just knowing you will toss them something! I have had the best luck capturing wildlife such as water birds using bait, a cheap investment for what could be a big reward. If I were trying to capture a pic of say a raccoon all I would have to do is leave a cooler with food in it, and they will come and raid it! (they opened my dad's cooler and drank of all things, his Gatorade!!! ;) Shooting deer with your cam? (I am thinking Wisconsin!?) You might try putting out some corn in areas where you know they travel, after doing this for a while, sit back and wait, upwind from where you have baited (cause they can smell humans). Takes a little patience, but the payoff is well worth it! Most animals think of their belly first, just like most men I know! LOL! @ Chelle You can't adjust that monitor? No adjustments on the exterior? What about the control panel? There has to be a way... :-S Brenda :)

That wet one is wild! "I'm no expert"... could have fooled me. Nilla- I'm planing on going to Florida to warm up on Feb. 19-23. Last year found a nice bike ride in the Glades. Don't know what my friends have in store for me this year, but maybe can find some of these guys.

What part of Florida are you destined to? Look for fishermen, lots of fishermen, the birds gravitate towards them! We have a State Park here that is a very popular and there are tons of fishermen there, not far from one of the first wildlife refuges "pelican Island". (see my post entitled Patiently waiting, the birds are almost desensitized to humans as they are around them all the time and feed them). There is more to come from that shoot! :) I do hope that you find plenty of birds on your tour of the sunshine state! :) Brenda :)

Misha You will be here right in the beginning mating season.. you might get lucky with some great shots of course :-)

Hey! I've been waiting to get lucky for quite some time!

Randy, I love all your picture! I hope you upload them onto your gallry! I think the darkness is perfect! And it makes the birds almost look gray and beautiful! I love them! And I agree with Misha, you should post how you capture such beautiful birds! Jinx